Irv Kauffman

Irving M. Kauffman died peacefully Tuesday, August 11, 2015. He was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma December 25, 1936. In high school he was a star athlete in baseball, football and track. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, majoring in journalism and advertising. He was a BMOC and president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu.After college he moved to Houston where he became a well-known, well-respected and award winning member of the advertising community. During his career he particularly enjoyed mentoring those new to the field. They often spoke of his knowledge, kindness, and care for them. His peers knew him as an honest, thoughtful man with a fine sense of humor.In his later life he took great joy in his grandchildren. During those years, he showed great courage in the face of many years of medical distress.For decades, he was blessed with a group of wonderful friends who always had his back. His last years were softened by his caring friend, Melissa.He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Jennis. He was preceded in death by his sister Sue Jacob and his beloved son Paul.He is survived by his wife Jennis; daughters Julie Kauffman, Peggy Arriaga and daughter-in-law Hadar Kauffman; His adoring grandchildren, Caty, Emma, Aliah, Aiden and Sophie; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara Meyer and David Schuman; an extended loving family of nieces, nephews and cousins.He was a man of honor, dignity and integrity to the end.A Memorial Service was held Thursday, August 13, 2015 in the Proler Chapel at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd., at 4:30 pm. Rabbi Roy A. Walter and Cantor Vadim Tunitsky officiated.Donations in his memory may be sent to Congregation Emanu El, (emanuelhouston.org), Houston Hospice (houstonhospice.org) or a charity of your choice.Watch the video of the Funeral / Memorial Service here.